Carolina Hurricanes Improve on Weaknesses for a Win

By Josh Edwards

Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports

The Carolina Hurricanes weaknesses have been exposed in their seven game losing streak. To stop this downward spiral, improvements had to be made, and that’s exactly what happened in today’s game. The Canes broke the streak with a rewarding 3-1 win over the Winnipeg Jets. The key to the team’s win was improvements on special teams, goaltending and offensive play.

Jussi Jokinen had a great game after being put on waivers days before. He scored the Hurricanes second goal and showed a positive reaction to the criticism he has had to face. Jokinen only has 11 points this season, although he was expected to be a valuable forward for the Hurricanes.

Jokinen’s goal was also important, because it was on the power play. The Hurricanes’ power plays were deadly throughout the game, although they only scored once. They created plenty of chances and shots that gathered momentum. Alex Semin looked particularly good on the power play but earned both of his points on even ice.

Justin Peters has gathered his fair share of criticism over the years and has always battled through it. He has struggled the last few games in supporting his team but handled it perfectly today. He made 34 saves and many of them were of high quality. With Cam Ward and Dan Ellis out with injury, Peters needs to play well to keep the team in the playoff race.

The team’s offense also played better than their last few games. Before this game, they had only scored eight goals in their last six, and all of the forwards struggled. Eric Staal and Semin led the offense from the first line as both had a goal and an assist. The Hurricanes should have one of the best scoring teams in the league, and they need to keep it that way if they want to climb into a playoff position.